Page 66 of Her Seven Nights with the Duke

Samuel smiled as he watched Nora walk down the aisle, her red hair styled in intricate curls down her back and her yellow dress adding to her sunny disposition. Her smile matched his as she walked up to him, looking every bit as lovely as she had the first time he saw her.

He looked to the side, where Benedict stood slightly behind him, a teasing smile on his lips.

“I now pronounce you husband and wife,” the vicar said as they exchanged rings.

Samuel’s smile remained fixed on his lips as they made their way out of the church.

The past few days leading up to their wedding had been the happiest days of his life. There was never a doubt that he would be happy and fulfilled in his marriage.

“So, Duchess, how does it feel to be married?” he asked her, grinning widely.

“I do not think I can say for certain, Duke. Perhaps you could ask me that again when the night is over,” she teased, wearing a matching wide smile.

Samuel’s eyes widened as he looked around them to make sure no one was standing near them.

She giggled softly, the sound sending a shiver through his body. “I have been reading some books I found in your library, Your Grace. One would wonder why you have such.”

She ran down the stairs towards the carriage, and Samuel followed after her, snapping her up as their family and friends laughed behind them at their silliness.

He enjoyed being with her like this. No longer did he have to be serious all the time, wearing a mask to keep people away from him, but with her, things were different. He could be who he wanted to be without holding back.

They arrived at the wedding breakfast that was being held at his estate, and Nora took in the delicacies like roast meat, pies, and all sorts of cakes and desserts.

Samuel walked around, thanking family and friends for joining on their special day. He stopped to look at Benedict, who signaled for him, and he pulled away Nora.

“Do you have anything?” he asked.

Benedict nodded. “I have the information you requested. Lord Worlington is involved in a few illegal businesses. With all that I have found, I am certain that we can make him go to trial for what he has done.”

Samuel nodded. “Thank you, my friend. I cannot think of a better wedding gift than this. I do hope the Duchess will be happy with that.”

Benedict laughed. “How easily you have adjusted to calling her your Duchess mere moments after your wedding.”

Samuel joined in the laughter. “Ah, but she has always been my Duchess. I have only just been able to officially call her that.”

Benedict clapped him on the back. “How you have changed, my dear friend. I cannot say I am not relieved to hear it.”

“Come on. Let’s share the news with Nora and her mother,” Samuel said, leading Benedict over to where Nora stood with her mother, smiling atover something she said.

“Lady Julia, there is something she said.

“Lady Worlington, there is something we must tell you and Nora,” Samuel said. “We have found out that the Viscount has a hand in the trade of counterfeit jewels to unsuspecting nobles. Those who have fallen victim to these sales are embarrassed and vengeful. This will make it possible for us to make him pay for how he hurt you both.”

Nora nodded in satisfaction. However, her mother gasped. They turned to her as her face fell, showing her devastation.

“Oh heavens. I cannot say that I am happy with this news. I must confess that I love Timothy. I know he is incredibly flawed, but I have loved him from the moment I saw him, and I don’t think I will ever not love him.”

She turned to Samuel. “I do know that he has to pay for everything that he has done, and I know that he has hurt us, but I will need some time before I can fully accept this.”

She regarded Nora with a smile, caressing her cheek lovingly. “I know that I have disappointed you over and over again. It must not have been easy for you to watch me be so weak. I did not mean to be such a coward or ruin the idea of marriage for you. I can only be grateful that you have found your own happiness free from all of the pain and fears you had in the past. I do hope you will forgive me someday.”

Nora shook her head, hugging her mother. “You do not need to apologize to me, Mother. I understand what you are going through, and I promise that I will always be there for you, no matter how long it takes you to feel ready to move on.”

She pulled away and smiled at her mother encouragingly, just as the Dowager Duchess joined them.

“Lady Worlington. I would like to invite you on a trip,” the Dowager Duchess said suddenly. “I am a part of a dowagers’ club. Most of the ladies are widows. However, there are some who simply wish to join us and enjoy the time we have together, and we allow them. I do hope that you will consider it and join us on our trip. It truly will help you get your mind off everything that has happened.”

Lady Worlington smiled at her. “Thank you for the offer, but I do not know if I can do that. I still have a lot to do at home.”

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